Messiah, the First Fruits: A Messianic Exposition and Devotional Journey

I. Scriptural Foundation — What Are First Fruits?

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, “When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.”’
— Leviticus 23:9–11 (NASB 1995)

The Feast of First Fruits (Bikkurim) is one of the appointed times in Leviticus 23. It was celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover—the first day of the week. As the barley harvest began, Israel was commanded to bring the first and best of their crop to the priest as a wave offering, consecrating the rest of the harvest to the LORD.

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II. Understanding First Fruits in Jewish Thought

1. Timing and Meaning

“Bikkurim” (בִּכּוּרִים) means first of the ripe fruits—a Hebrew idiom meaning what is most precious, set apart, and belonging to God.

First Fruits marked the beginning of the harvest season and launched the Counting of the Omer, a 50-day journey of anticipation leading to Shavuot (Pentecost).

2. Cultural Insights

Farmers would tie a reed around the ripening sheaf and declare, “This is for the LORD.”

The “first” of anything—fruit, children, livestock—was not optional. In Jewish culture, it acknowledged that God owns everything, and we are simply stewards.

Jewish Idiom: “The first belongs to the King.” It was a way of honoring the covenant relationship with YHWH.

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III. Fulfillment in Messiah — Jesus, the First Fruits

1 Corinthians 15:20–23 (NASB 1995)

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

Yeshua rose on the Feast of First Fruits, fulfilling this appointed time not only in timing but in meaning.

Messianic Fulfillment:

Jesus is the “First Fruits” of the resurrection—the first of the final harvest to be raised in glory.

Just as the first sheaf made the whole harvest holy, Messiah’s resurrection sanctifies the resurrection of all who belong to Him.

This also fulfills Psalm 16:10 — “You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.”

Jewish Thought: “What begins in holiness continues in holiness.” The first fruits were a pledge of what’s to come.

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IV. Key Themes and Jewish Idioms

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V. Devotional Exercises — Living the First Fruits Life

Each of these is rooted in Scripture and can be practiced individually or with your family or small group.

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1. Gratitude Offering

Read: Deuteronomy 26:1–11
Do: Write down your “first fruits” in this season. What has God given you that you can give back—your time, talents, worship, resources?
Pray:

“Abba, everything I have comes from You. I offer You my first and best. Let my life be an offering, just as You gave me Your best in Yeshua.”

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2. Resurrection Reflection

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12–28
Do: Journal what it means that Messiah is the first fruits of the resurrection. How does His resurrection shape your view of eternity?
Reflect:

“If He rose, so will I. My future is as secure as the empty tomb.”

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3. Counting the Omer — Spiritual Renewal

Read: Psalm 119:1–16
Do: Begin a 50-day Scripture journey from First Fruits to Pentecost. Each day, read a Psalm or passage, meditate, and record spiritual growth.
Blessing (adapted):

“Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, who sanctifies us in Messiah and teaches us by His Spirit.”

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4. Consecrate Your Harvest

Read: Romans 12:1–2
Do: Dedicate the areas of your life that need to be surrendered to the Lord—work, family, ministry, dreams. Offer them as a “wave offering.”
Pray:

“Yeshua, You are my First and Best. Teach me to live as a first fruits believer—holy, consecrated, and joyfully Yours.”

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VI. Final Word — Messiah the First and the Guarantee

The first fruits were the pledge that more was coming. In Messiah’s resurrection, we have the guarantee that the full harvest of believers will one day rise. Until then, we live as consecrated ones—bearing fruit, growing in holiness, and anticipating the day of final redemption.

“But each in his own order: Messiah the First Fruits, then those who are Messiah’s at His coming.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:23

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